Definition and Use of Overtype and Insert Modes in Word GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > MS Office

Using Overtype and Insert Modes in Microsoft Word

What's the difference? We'll explain

By James Marshall James Marshall Writer James Marshall is a pro journalist who covers technology and computer troubleshooting. He is also skilled with Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and other word processors. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 4, 2019 Tweet Share Email Annette Stoffregen / EyeEm / Getty Images Tweet Share Email MS Office Word Excel Powerpoint Outlook Microsoft Word has two text entry modes: Insert and Overtype. These modes each describe how text behaves as it's added to a document with pre-existing text. Here's how these two modes work and how to use them. Instructions in this article apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

Insert Mode Definition

While in Insert mode, the new text that is added to a document moves the current text forward, to the right of the cursor, to accommodate the new text as it's typed or pasted into the document. It's the default mode for text entry in Microsoft Word.

Overtype Mode Definition

In Overtype mode, when text is added to a document where there is existing text, the existing text is replaced by the newly added text as it's entered, character by character.

How to Change Type Modes

If you want to turn off the default Insert mode in Microsoft Word so you can type over the current text, there are two ways to do this. The simplest way is to press the Insert key, which toggles the mode on and off. Another way is to set the Insert key to toggle Overtype mode on and off. To change the settings for Overtype mode: Go to File > Options. In the Word Options dialog box, choose Advanced. In the Editing options section, choose one of the following: To use the Insert key to control Overtype mode, select the Use Insert key to control overtype check box.To permanently enable Overtype mode, select the Use overtype mode check box. Select OK. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Insert a Page Break in Word How to Insert Source Code Into a Word Document How to Insert a Document in Word How to Use Microsoft Word How to Hyperlink in Word Documents How to Insert a PDF Into Word How to Use Text Boxes in Microsoft Word How to Insert Comments in Word How to Make a Brochure in Microsoft Word Microsoft Publisher Tutorial for Beginners How to Remove a Page Break in Word How to Add and Remove a Border From a Word Document How to Indent in Word and Use Tabs and Rulers How to Add Line Numbers to a MS Word Document How to Track Changes in Word How to Insert a Page in Word Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies